He and colleagues stumbled on the blocking ability of the infrared beam while investigating using it to damage mosquito sensory systems.

It sends an infrared beam out to the surface of the food or drink and 'captures the reflected wavelengths that carry the signature of its composition'.

It emits a powerful but invisible infrared beam that allows a high-tech camera to capture a clear portrait at a distance of up to five metres, regardless of lighting conditions.

This worked by using a low power infrared beam (not a laser) from a distance to detect the sound vibrations in the glass windows.

The sensor chip determines where infrared beam was broken.